Media centre

Tuesday 3 Jun 2008

NEW STATION OPENS IN MITCHAM

Region & Route:

| Southern: Wessex

| Southern

A brand new station in South London has opened to passengers, with trains now calling at Mitcham Eastfields.

Network Rail has invested £6m in constructing the station, which offers services to Central London and a range of other destinations.

Mitcham Eastfields is located in Zone Three between Streatham and Mitcham Junction stations and has been developed in partnership with Merton Council, Southern, First Capital Connect and Transport for London.

As well as providing better rail links for the area, Mitcham Eastfields is also one of the first in a new generation of modular stations built by Network Rail.

The station building was constructed off-site and lifted into place at the station in sections, meaning less disruption for residents and rail users. The building is designed to minimize energy use and incorporates solar panels and rainwater harvesting facilities.

Accessibility is also a key feature, with a footbridge and lifts to connect the two platforms.

Network Rail's route director, Fiona Taylor said: “Network Rail’s investment in this brand new station shows our commitment to building a bigger and better railway while supporting both the environment and communities. Mitcham Eastfields offers an opportunity for passengers to benefit from not only a new station but one that is sustainable, smart and easy to use.”

Merton Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration Councillor Diane Neil Mills said: “We are proud that Network Rail has chosen Mitcham as a place to invest £6 million in building one of its pioneering modular, flexible and environmentally-sound stations. It’s testament to the co-operation between all the partners and the interest from Mitcham residents over the years that the station is here today. The station will bring a lot of opportunity to Mitcham as it links the town to central London. I hope it will also draw business to the area especially now Mitcham can provide affordable office space such as The Generator Business Centre.”

Southern’s Head of Franchise and Track Access contracts Dave Walker said: “We are delighted to be managing the first new station to be built in South London in the last 60 years or so. This will provide a much needed additional facility for commuters and leisure travelers alike, linking Mitcham with central London.”

Deputy Managing Director at First Capital Connect Andy Cope said: "It is great news that the area now has a mainline station after all these years and we look forward to First Capital Connect services calling at Mitcham Eastfields. The local academy specialises in science and technology and this new energy efficient station will be a great example of sustainable design for the students."

Timetable details for services to and from Mitcham Eastfields are available through National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or www.nationalrail.co.uk and train operators’ websites.